At least 25 people have been killed following a powerful explosion at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu, southern India, in what has become one of the latest deadly industrial accidents in the region.
The blast occurred at the Vanaja Fireworks Industry, where officials say operations were not supposed to be underway.
Despite this, about 50 workers were reportedly inside the premises when the explosion ripped through the facility.
Rescue efforts were complicated by a second explosion that went off as emergency teams responded, injuring 13 more people.
Authorities said none of those injuries were severe, but the incident forced rescuers to proceed with extreme caution as firecrackers continued detonating inside the damaged structure.
An eyewitness receiving treatment said around 25 workers had been gathered on a veranda at the time the fire broke out.
The flames quickly spread, destroying at least three rooms and reducing sections of the factory to rubble.
By Monday, officials confirmed that 22 victims have been identified out of 25, with women comprising the majority of those confirmed.
Some bodies were reportedly charred beyond recognition due to the intensity of the blast.
Police have since filed a case against the factory owner and a foreman, both of whom are on the run. Four special teams have been deployed to track them down.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over safety standards in India’s firecracker industry, which regularly faces scrutiny despite supplying explosives for festivals, weddings and other celebrations.
